Light tuna tends to have less mercury than white, but you should check the label. Make sure your "light" tuna comes from skipjack, which is lower in mercury. Yellowfin is less commonly found in cans but is also considered "light" and has a higher mercury level, similar to that of albacore (which is labeled "white").
Fish aggregating devices (FADs) can have negative effects on vulnerable species. Look for canned tuna labels that say pole-caught, pole-and-line-caught, troll-caught, FAD-free, free school, or school-caught to be sure you're getting a more ocean-healthy product.
According to Lacademie, raw tuna that has spoiled will appear off-colored, usually with a milky look or with shades of brown. Meanwhile, healthy raw tuna is a deep red or a light pink color. If your fish has started to change color or you see some sort of growth (like mold) toss that fish in the trash.
Canned light tuna is the better, lower-mercury choice, according to the FDA and EPA. Canned white and yellowfin tuna are higher in mercury, but still okay to eat. Bigeye tuna should be avoided completely, but that species isn't used for canned tuna anyway.
Albacore is firm and meaty, with a light, mild flavor. Yellowfin and skipjack are a bit softer and have a richer, more intense taste. The choice comes down to personal preference: If you like a less “fishy” tuna experience, go for white tuna; if you want stronger flavor, light tuna is a better choice.
Though canned tuna is popular for being cheap and convenient, fresh yellowfin Tuna is much better in delivering nutrients and flavor.
Bluefin is usually served in top-notch sushi restaurants because it is, quite simply, the most delicious tuna available in the world. In particular, the fat and protein are perfectly balanced, and the pieces have a melt-in-your-mouth-type feel.
SAFCOL TUNA
The South Australian Fishermans Co-Operative Limited (S.A.F.C.O.L.) was founded in 1945 by a group of South Australian Fishermen to sell their catch; the first of its kind in Australia. This connection with the craft and the catch has been constant throughout our history.
If you're concerned about limiting the amount of mercury you consume, and if you've eaten no other fish during the week, Consumer Reports says up to 12 ounces a week of Bumble Bee Chunk Light, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, Safe Catch Wild Elite, and StarKist Chunk Light tunas are the safer choices among the products ...
The FDA recommends consuming fish lower in mercury. For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury.
Fresh tuna, depending on its fat content, ranges in color from pale pink to deep red. (The more fat, the lighter the color.) Tuna tends to oxidize quickly, which cause it to turn an unappetizing grey or brown.
Bright red or pink tuna means it has been gassed. In its natural state, fresh tuna is dark red, almost maroon, sometimes even chocolatey looking. Don't worry, you most likely will have no ill effects from eating gassed tuna, according to the FDA.
Sirena Tuna is made with only the highest quality ingredients, including our premium oil blends and high specification tuna. Our commitment to sustainability is paramount to our business: 100% of our tuna is pole and line caught.
Our yellowfin tuna is currently sourced from South Africa or the Maldives and can be rod-and-reel, handline or longline caught.
Cole's (Coles) Premium Skipjack Tuna originates in the pristine waters of Cape Verde where the fish are harvested, processed and packaged using traditional methods and recipes. The Cape Verde fishery is in harmony with Cole's long term, sustainable approach to responsible fishing.
Mercury levels in canned white tuna, which is exclusively albacore, are almost three times higher than those found in smaller skipjack tuna commonly used in canned light tuna products.
Oil vs Water
Tuna packed in water will contain fewer calories and less fat but also allows for the loss of omega 3 fatty acids to occur. Water-packed also dilutes the natural juices and flavors contained within the fish and can lead to a more rounded and less refined taste.
Yellowfin Tuna is a much leaner meat, with a milder and lighter flavour. Lacking the coveted fat content of Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna is a much firmer meat. With bright red meat in its raw state, Yellowfin Tuna turns a brownish colour when cooked and offers a firm and moist meat with large flakes.
Freezing to specific temperatures and for specific times kills parasites in raw fish. You may obtain fish which has been frozen or you may freeze fish in the establishment. You may serve fish raw if you or your supplier: Freeze the fish and store it at or below -4°F for at least 168 hours (7 days).
Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish.
Difference between fresh tuna and canned tuna
Fresh tuna can last only about a week after leaving the water whereas canned tuna is available all year round. Fresh and canned tuna provide the same good omega-3 fats. However, canned tuna can be higher in sodium, fat and calories if it is packed in brine or oil.
Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
Tuna can be eaten fresh – either raw or cooked – and canned (which is always pre-cooked).